The New Snapchat: Less Social, More Fun

Snapchat’s new design—think Netflix and WhatsApp, not Instagram and Facebook—attempts to help new users and build something Instagram can’t copy

Snap Inc. is rolling out a new version of Snapchat that's surprisingly different than what came before. But don't panic: WSJ's David Pierce explains how to make the most of the new app. Photo/Video: Emily Prapuolenis/The Wall Street Journal

That’s the story of the new version of Snap Inc.’s Snapchat, a complete overhaul currently rolling out to the app’s 187 million daily users. See, Facebook Inc.’s Instagram has waged a merciless campaign to destroy Snapchat by copying all its best features and offering them in a simpler app with more users. Snap invented the story format—in which users share short public videos that disappear after 24 hours—but more people make and watch stories on Instagram.